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Carolyn Wilson

COO, Beaumont Health

By Vickie Elmer

Career ladder: Wilson, 54, an RN, started at Blodgett Hospital, now Spectrum, in Grand Rapids in a variety of nurse and nurse leadership roles. From 1998-2011, she worked at University of Chicago Medical Center in multiple roles that included COO and associate dean. Most recently, she was executive vice president and COO of Fairview Health Services in Minneapolis. She was recruited by Beaumont Health's CEO John Fox to be part of the newly merged system.

Super power: Focus on "true north" — doing right combined with passion for her job.

Career success: In 2008, Wilson was in a senior role at the University of Chicago Medical Center when six other area hospitals closed. Her diplomacy helped navigate the politics of transferring a large influx of patients, including large numbers of uninsured patients, to a nearby community hospital. The influx of overall patients helped the other hospital during the recession, and over time the two developed other joint programs. "It was a huge win all the way around," Wilson said.

Best mentor: Sister Sheila Lynne, who ran Mercy Healthcare in Chicago for many years and was the Chicago commissioner of health as well.

Quote: "I have had great pride in being a nurse. I think that it has heavily influenced my ability to be an effective leader in health care. … Being a servant leader is innate to being a nurse."

Advice to women seeking success: "Work hard in things that are your passion. Say yes to opportunities and growth."

Next big goal: "Knit together these eight hospitals at Beaumont as they function as one integrated system."

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story reported an incorrect age for Wilson. She is 54.

The new study by Grand Valley State University of Fortune 500 boards shows a correlation between board diversity and healthier profits, and Michigan companies have ample opportunity to improve board diversity, the study's co-author says.

In an effort to boost women's representation on for-profit corporate boards, Crain's Detroit Business on Tuesday night launched the Michigan Women's Directory. The launch coincided with the 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan recognition event that was attended by about 700 people.